Exercise May Not Offset Genetic Predisposition for Low Exercise Capacity, Impaired Insulin Sensitivity

Article title: Genetically determined exercise capacity affects systemic glucose response to insulin in rats

Authors: Michael Schwarzer, Annika Molis, Christina Schenkl, Andrea Schrepper, Steven L. Britton, Lauren Gerard Koch, Torsten Doenst

From the authors: “In our model of [high capacity runners] and [low capacity runners], genetic predisposition for low exercise capacity is associated with impaired insulin sensitivity and impedes exercise-induced improvements in insulin response. Our results suggest that genetic predisposition for low aerobic exercise capacity impairs insulin response, which may not be overcome by exercise.”

This study is highlighted as one of September’s “best of the best” as part of the American Physiological Society’s APSselect program.